Incorporating regular physical activity into your life today, say researchers, may help reduce your risk of developing dementia later on. Regularly engaging in physically demanding activities like sports and exercise was associated with a 35% reduction in the chance of acquiring dementia in one study. Also, keeping up with regular housework was associated with a 21% lower risk of disease. If you are thinking of suitable activities for the elderly in Tulsa, OK, here are several ideas we have compiled that you can explore with your aging loved ones.
Doing Aerobics
Aerobic exercise benefits not just the body but also the mind by maintaining a healthy heart, lungs, and blood circulation. Any physical activity that increases your heart rate and breathing rate is considered to be of moderate intensity. An activity is considered vigorous if it causes you to perspire heavily or become winded to the point where you have to take frequent breaks from speaking.
Building Strength
Exercises that emphasize muscular strength target the larger muscle groups like legs, back, stomach, shoulders, arms. This facilitates ease of regular activities. Dementia risk factors include high blood sugar levels, so doing things like this can help you maintain a healthy level of glucose in your blood and lower your chances of developing diabetes too. At the very least, you should be engaging in strength-training exercises twice weekly.
Exercising the Brain
The objective is to engage your mind so your brain can stay active. You could begin by switching up your eating habits by occasionally using the hand you do not often use. You can also take part in activities such as expanding your horizons by learning a new skill, like picking up a new language or an instrument. Get the children around and play some board games. You may also organize a regular game of cards with your pals. At the click of a mouse, you may relax in your own home and enjoy a round of video games like a game of memory.
Eating Well
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, being overweight or obese, and developing type 2 diabetes are all linked to a diet high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar while low in fiber. The chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia is increased in the presence of all of these factors.
Reducing Alcohol Intake
The neurological system, especially the brain, is particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of alcohol abuse, which include an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and some forms of cancer. Try to keep your weekly alcohol consumption to no more than 14 units, for both men and women.
Cutting Down on Smoking
It has been shown that smoking raises blood pressure as a result of narrowing vessels. In turn, it can be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and numerous types of cancer. If you are a smoker, please make an effort to stop.
Stay Socially Active
It is not easy to pin down exactly how dementia and depression are connected. Depression, it seems, raises the risk of dementia if left untreated. In any case, you should stay well-connected with the people within your social circle to maintain good mental health.
